A History of the Ottoman Empire to 1730

by V.J. Parry, Michael A. Cook

From the historian's perspective, the Ottomans in their heyday could claim a more absolute monarchy than any of the truly European empires, a more successful record in quelling rebellion and the rise of national settlement, and the development and maintenance of more effective lines of communication between the centre and outlying lands. The chapters in this book were each written by a specialist in Ottoman history, and in combination they trace the steps by which the empire built on its fourteenth-century beginnings to the high point of its European power. The emphasis throughout is on the internal history of the empire and its relations with non-European states as well as with Europe; it is no longer possible or desirable to write merely from the point of view of the Western powers.

Genres: History

253 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 1976

Reviews

[Hall's Bookshop · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt very dated, though I'm in no position to judge. Nevertheless, this selection of chapters from authoritative sources is an excellent foil to Caroline Finkel's 'Osman's Dream,' which tends towards political and court narrative, at the expense of administrative / institutional analysis. A focus on the evolution of the offices of Sultan and Grand Visier, and of the institutions of devshirme, timar fiefs etc., without getting bogged down in the personalities and details of court chicanery, allows for a clearer view of the general trends in Ottoman history than is usually possible. There is a certain amount of repetition between chapters, but this will help beginners get to grips with the many important ranks, titles and institutions which are so frequently referred to. I'm sure a thorough reading of these two books would provide as good a grounding as might be had in Ottoman history in English, though a new general history is surely required in this field.

JM 16/06/20